Nowadays, powering-up electrical devices like mobile phones, computers, home appliances, gadgets, lights, and even cars are such a breeze, mainly because of the continuous advancements in engineering and technology that provides everyone a wide variety of energy source options. One of the longstanding choices is none other than the battery, scientifically termed as electrochemical cells, which makes electrical energy conveniently available for all users.

There are several types of electric batteries that are categorized into two forms (1) Primary cells or generally known as non-rechargeable batteries, which are manufactured to be used only once until all its energy is discharged. (2) Secondary cells or rechargeable batteries that can be used multiple times. These types come in different forms, shapes, sizes, weights, and voltages, which consumers take in consideration depending on their needs.

Typically choosing the right battery can be a tough job, especially to those who have no electronics background. Deciding which battery type to purchase and to use can be tedious work, particularly to people who would like to opt for a reliable power source, without the hassle of going over tons of research. Nevertheless, in buying batteries, the option boils down to its physical dimensions (size and weight), and battery capacity (duration of energy supply).

Choosing 12-Volt batteries is usually observed among consumers because of its cost, accessibility, and voltage capacity. Although, many manufacturers and suppliers are suggesting to try other variants like the 6-Volt battery cells due to its practicality and longevity, when used and applied correctly.

In this article, we will focus on familiarizing with the 6-volt or 6V Batteries – how it works, why it is a better option for an energy source and its common uses.

What is inside a 6-Volt battery?

A 6-Volt battery, which is commonly known as lantern battery is a lead-acid type cell that is made up of a collection of four larger cells, usually D batteries with 1.5V per cell. With this composition, 6-Volt Batteries offer a wider space for energy storage and thicker plates for sturdiness that can last for longer usage. Moreover, most 6V batteries are deep-cycledto maximize its capacity to store and to discharge energy suitable even for a low-cost budget, making it a great choice especially to motorists and electricians as it extends the cycle of charging and discharging.  

What makes it a better energy source option?

With its components and construction, 6-Volt batteries have a higher voltage capacity, longer usability, and slower discharge rate. This is because 6-Volt battery, which is typically used as pairs wired in a series to make a 12-Volt power supply, a standard energy rate to power-up a large number of electrical devices. Wiring batteries in a series provide users more battery capacity and lengthier hours of utility. Furthermore, connecting two 6V batteries with 200 Ah is better that one 12V with 100Ah. And this knowledge gets recreational vehicle drivers to upgrade their batteries to 6 Volts. Plus, the high amount of voltage capacity does not affect the weight of the cells. The typical weight of one 12V battery is 110 pounds, while a 6V is just about 50-60 pound each, making it more convenient.

What are its common uses?

6-Volt batteries are a great source of energy for large projects where longer hours of electricity supply and a higher amount of power is needed. They are typically utilized as a reliable back-up energy source that is low-maintenance and durable. Here are five common applications of this battery type:  

1. Lighting systems for Construction Industry and Roadworks

Light sources such as flashlight and lanterns used during construction works and other industrial renovations or buildings employ 6-Volt batteries as their power source because of its much longer life cycle compared to other cells and can supply more power during long periods of use. Since lighting plays a vital role throughout constructions and roadworks, using energy sources that could last extensively without having to worry about recharging or replacing batteries regularly, 6-Volt Batteries are a superior choice.   

2. Golf Carts and other Electrically-powered Vehicles

Deep cycle 6V batteries are designed to sustain long-lasting energy to rechargeable vehicles like golf carts, electric wheelchair and scooter, e-bikes, etc. The application of this process produces better batteries. Although using 6-volt cells means having multiple batteries compared to just using one 12V battery, each cell has wider internal surface for larger amp capacity, in a simpler sense higher amp capacity makes the energy source (battery) to have lower discharge rate and heat dissipation, allowing it for a lengthy supply of electricity.  

Through innovations in manufacturing more advanced technology for golf carts, and other electric-powered vehicles, employing multiple low-voltage batteries provide a more manageable device at a cost-saving quality due to its decrease cell failure and less amount of replacement that higher voltage batteries are vulnerable to having.  

3. Recreational Vehicles and Trailer Homes

Long travels to remote rural areas without adequate energy outlets is a typical dilemma to most RV users and trailer homeowners. Generally, they rely on a single cell 12-volt power source to have their automobile working together with all the devices and appliances in it. Although easily available and budget-friendly, with its limited energy storage and less duration of amp hours, this battery type may not be sustainable and reliable enough for camping and boondocking.

The shift from using one 12V battery to two 6V batteries may give the same amount of power, but it provides more battery capacity and more extended amp hours to supply energy, lessening the troubles of hooking it up to recharge.  

Moreover, modern battery technology establishes 6-Volt cells that are sealed, non-spill, and light-weight, even using materials that make the battery fast to recharge and affordable. The only downside of using 6V batteries for RVs and trailer homes are its need for much extensive space because it always requires to work in pairs which are connected in series.

4. Back-up Power Supply for UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply)

As we have established the advantages of using multiple 6-Volt batteries compared to using a single 12-Volt cell in powering-up a variety of electrical devices and vehicles, using it as a reliable power bank to store energy is also one of its beneficial applications. 6-Volt batteries are typically employed as a back-up power source, specifically as an uninterrupted power supply for household alarms and small computer systems because of its extensive internal surface that offers a lot of energy capacity. Therefore, it can store more potential energy for later use in a longer time-frame.   

Additionally, the construction style of 6-Volt battery, which is deep-cycled allows it to drain and frequently recharge without negatively affecting the battery life, making it ideal as a steadfast power supply back-up.

5. Light Source for Camping and Hiking

As a widely known type of lantern battery, 6-volt cells are used to supply electricity to torch lights, flashlights or any other illumination that needs higher energy capacity. Since these are rechargeable batteries that are comprised of multiple arrays of cells inside, they have a large capacity for energy storage. Indeed, 6-Volt batteries are an ideal choice to use during camping and hiking compared to the regular torch batteries that have a very limited amount of energy, which depletes faster and have short battery life.